To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first two ventures outside the spacecraft, this exhibition presents art, photography, artifacts, and personal accounts that relate the continuing story of EVA.

Extra-vehicular activity, or EVA—working outside a spacecraft—changed the nature of human spaceflight. Technology and training made possible walking on the Moon, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, and building the International Space Station. It remains crucial to our ongoing presence in space.

EVA requires a wearable spacecraft—the spacesuit—and specialized tools for astronauts to survive in the hazardous environment of space. Since the first spacewalks of Aleksei Leonov and Edward White in 1965, more than 200 astronauts and cosmonauts have amassed over 1,000 hours of EVA experience.

The Museum's collection contains more than 2,000 pieces of space art and twice as many spacesuits and other equipment. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first spacewalks and the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, we showcase the art and artifacts of spacefaring.

While astronauts and their equipment are the most publicly visible part of the space program, thousands of people make EVA possible. The safety and success of astronauts depends on the knowledge, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of experts who make venturing outside the spacecraft possible. This exhibition is dedicated to those who work behind the scenes of astronaut EVAs.

Floating

The first tentative moments floating in space were thrilling and filled with unknowns. Working outside a spacecraft meant developing techniques to overcome this dangerous environment.

Walking

Exploring the Moon on foot or in an electric rover gave us insight into our nearest neighbor, and for only twelve humans, the journey of a lifetime inside their own personal spacecraft.

Working

Extending time in Earth orbit meant making it possible to work in microgravity building and fixing complex machines with specialized tools.

Imagining

Stunning views of space seen in astronaut photographs inspired many to create their own art and impressions of the EVA experience.